M is for Music
Music is a joyous way to offer praise while finding the truth of what we sing. Music is essential to us at St. John's, and we have proven that we value musical talent over the years. For 20 years, we have had the amazing and talented Pam Drews Phillips at our helm, but this fall Pam will pass along the torch of Music Director. We will miss Pam's spunk and enthusiasm as we wish her well on her many adventures.
Pam's last Sunday will be September 16th, when we will host a special coffee hour to celebrate honor her achievements. We hope you can join us!
“We are the music-makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams, Wandering by lone sea-breakers And sitting by desolate streams.” —from Ode by O’Shaughnessy
Her successor will be David Wagner; You might recognize him from the choir or filling in for Pam when she is traveling abroad. If you see Pam or David around town this summer, wish them well as they transition to the next phase of their lives. We are so grateful to have the depth and breadth of musical talent in our congregation now and in the years to come.
Pam Phillips by Numbers
Priests: 11 —Frank Johnson, Lynn Wright, Lynn Knight, Ken Asel, Ann Fontaine, Mary Erickson, Trent Moore, Ron Pogue, Jimmy Bartz, Brian Nystrom, and Suzanne Harris
Choir Conductors: 3 —Bill Hungate, Joy Trigg, and Michael Gouge
Music Assistants: 5 —Carolyn Groves, Shana Baker, Nicole Madison-Garrett, Hilary Camino, and Kirsten Farney
Instrument Additions: 4 —Casavant Frères pipe organ, Steinway grand piano was completely rebuilt (special thanks to Bill and Robin Weiss ), a complete set of handbells (thanks to Polly Friess), and a harpsichord (thanks to Sue Gardner)
Christmas Services: 20 years (every service!)
Easter Services: 19 years
Weddings: 245
Funerals: 38 (thankfully not too many)
Services: 722 (planned music for every Sunday and holiday service since fall 2006)
Cups of Coffee: Countless!
Greatest Challenge: “The biggest challenge was when our new pipe organ was installed, and I had to learn how to play it. I had a year of lessons in college, but it had been many years since I had studied. I would like to thank the congregation for being patient with me as I was relearning to play."
Greatest Achievement: “The best things were my choir, who volunteered many hours to bring music to the church. And of course, you! I cherish the gift to bring music and a smile to your faces on Sunday mornings.”
Plans for the Future: “I love Jackson Hole and plan on remaining here. I do want to pursue my love of traveling and playing jazz piano in any clubs, restaurants or concert halls that will have me. Ruby (my Labrador) and I will be spending this winter in Palm Springs (where I have managed to find a house to rent with a Steinway Grand). I am a lucky girl!”
Meet Dr. David Wager
Born: July 17, 1986
Childhood Home: Huron, Ohio
College: Hillsdale College, Michigan (double-major in math and French, studied organ there, too)
Grad School: Indiana University (PhD in French, did not study music at that point)
Current Job: English and Mathematics teacher to grades 6-9 at Jackson Hole Classical Academy
Fun Facts: Taught English for a year in a French public high school near Bordeaux and worked for 7 summers at a Boy Scout Camp near Cody, WY where he eventually served as Program Director—this is how he fell in love with Wyoming, although he was never a scout growing up.
Hobbies: bicycling, hiking, baking (pies, cookies, cheesecakes), cooking, reading, and traveling
Q: When and why did you start playing?
A: I started taking piano lessons when I was 8 years old (in 2nd grade). I took piano lessons all through high school. I began taking organ lessons when I was 17 (in 11th grade). I took organ lessons through the rest of high school, and then for all 4 years of college. I also did a senior organ recital in college and played for college convocation my senior year. I did music in college for fun and personal enrichment, not for my majors. I was double-majoring in math and French. I haven’t formally studied piano or organ since that time, although I continue to learn new repertoire. I started singing in the church choir when I was in high school. I also sang in the church choir for 6 years during grad school in Indiana. I had a 5-week stint as interim director there when the past director had to step down suddenly, but otherwise I have mostly participated as a singer. I prefer to sing bass but can also sing tenor (as long as the part is not too high).
Q: Is your family musical?
A: My mom plays piano and both my grandmothers (now deceased) played piano and organ. My one grandmother taught piano lessons until the month she died. My paternal uncle is a church organist in Boise, ID, and my maternal aunt is a church organist in Columbus, OH. In addition, my maternal grandfather loved to play piano by ear. He always played hymns with a “ragtime” feel—such as the Old Rugged Cross.
Q: Which famous musicians do you admire and why?
A: I admire musicians who can play by ear (because I can’t do that). I also admire singers and musicians with perfect pitch (which I don’t have). I appreciate that various musicians have different gifts and that we each bring something different to the table.
Q: What are your fondest musical memories?
A: My mom and I sang all the time when I was a small child. There are pictures of me attempting to “play” piano and spinet organ from a very early age—but I think that’s pretty normal. I’ve always been fascinated by choral music and listening to people sing.
Q: What are your favorite songs—church music and otherwise?
A: Because I have grown up within a wide range of Christian traditions, I have a lot of favorite songs to sing or to play. Some of my favorite choir anthems are “Bow the Knee,” “We are More than Conquerors,” and “Give Me Jesus.” (I may introduce some of these to the church next year). Some of my favorite hymns are “Hallelujah! What a Savior,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” and “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” I have been listening to Christian music my whole life, including traditional hymnody, southern gospel and contemporary Christian music. I look forward to drawing on my rich background and continuing in Pam Philipps’s steps by incorporating a broad range of music into the worship at St. John’s. On the organ, I particularly enjoy playing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor,” and a number of pieces by Dubois (a French composer from the 19th century). On the piano, some of my favorite pieces to play for fun are Beethoven’s sonatas (Pathetique and Moonlight Sonata) and Chopin’s nocturnes and waltzes. I also enjoy playing sacred piano pieces arranged by Mark Hayes (including a favorite book of Christmas arrangements).
Tags: Worship / Music / Clergy & Staff